Letters to the Editor

Anyone still considering voting to throw Oahu under former Gov. Ben Cayetano's bus to nowhere needs to take a tour of our jammed-up island.

Start by taking a bus into Waikiki during morning rush hour, walk around a bit and then try to get back where you started. Try the same with Ala Moana Center.

Then if you're tired of waiting for crowded buses, drive to West Oahu through Pearl City and across farmland slated for development with or without rail.

Check out the 15 or so T-shaped concrete pillars Cayetano would turn into a Hawaii Stonehenge. Imagine students walking from a nearby rail station to the new University of Hawaii-West Oahu campus. Check out the new Kroc Center, the Hawaiian Home Lands development and the site for a new regional mall.

Planning and building transport and energy alternatives are good for Oahu's people and environment. Polls indicate voters now are realizing we need leaders who will build for growth rather than pretend it isn't already happening.

David Briscoe
Kapolei

Tourists won't ride rail transit system

I really can't let the letter from Art Ratcliffe go unchallenged ("Millions of tourists will use rail transit," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Oct. 29). Honolulu's rail transit system will be only very marginally attractive to tourists, so expecting any significant ridership from that source is just dreaming.

Does rail come close to Waikiki? No, it will be a $10 taxi ride each way to and from Ala Moana, which represents the better part of a day's car rental by itself. Does the rail system go anywhere that tourists want to go? Hanauma Bay, Sea Life Park, North Shore, Diamond Head, Polynesian Cultural Center, the Pali Lookout, even Waikele outlets stores — all no.

Looking at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation website, I couldn't immediately figure out how many tourist passengers they were counting; I am sure there are some already, but certainly not millions. In truth, I have never seen a ridership forecast for rapid transit before it was built that wasn't at least 25 percent optimistic.

Jim King
Hawaii Kai

PRP hasn't changed Cayetano's numbers

I don't like the Pacific Resource Partnership ads any more than the next person, but I don't think they're having the effect on the mayor's race that some claim.

The anti-rail former Gov. Ben Cayetano was at 44 percent in the February Hawaii Poll before the PRP campaign started. He polled the same 44 percent in July and in the primary a few weeks later, even though the PRP ads had been running for months. Three more months of PRP ads and Cayetano's most recent Hawaii Poll numbers were essentially unchanged at 42 percent.

The pro-rail candidates, Kirk Caldwell and Peter Carlisle, together polled in the low 50 percent in February and July, and in the August primary. The most recent Hawaii Poll puts Caldwell at a similar 53 percent.

Maybe people want to hear about other issues and think Cayetano is just a one-trick pony.

Blaming only PRP for Cayetano's numbers underestimates the voters.

Ted Baker
Manoa

Caldwell, PRP lack integrity, courage

What would it take for you to reverse your endorsement of Kirk Caldwell to former Gov. Ben Cayetano for mayor? The totally false accusations against Cayetano perpetuated by Pacific Resource Partnership in its campaign ads are unprecedented and unwarranted in Hawaii. These ads are obviously from organizations and people whose intent is to have the rail project continue. It's not right that unnamed donors with their money can influence this election.

Caldwell standing quiet while these ads run just shows the lack of integrity he has, not a quality we want in a mayor. Also his being in the obvious back pocket of the unions is upsetting because he cannot be independent in his future dealing with them in their upcoming labor negotiations.

Sometimes it takes courage for you to do the right thing.

Robert Matsuwaka
Kaimuki

Airport travelers left unprotected

The airport and Hawaiian Airlines both failed miserably to protect passengers landing near the time the tsunami was supposed to hit. We got an in-flight announcement from the pilot, telling us the roads might be closed before we landed, but no safety measures were offered, no buses to evacuate us, not even a suggestion that we remain on the upper level.

Instead it was business as usual once we landed — messages about connecting flights and directions to baggage claim (at sea level!). At the time the wave was predicted to hit, many were in a taxi line with no taxis. No emergency personnel were in evidence. If things had gone as predicted, hundreds could have died.

Holly Henderson
Honolulu

HPD increases Chinatown patrols

Working in partnership with residents and business owners, the Honolulu Police Department has made significant progress in reducing crime in Chinatown.

We want to thank the public for doing its part by attending neighborhood meetings, following safety and security tips, and reporting criminal activity.

For our part, we have increased patrols and added plainclothes officers. Behind the scenes, we are using the latest crime technology to help process evidence and identify suspects.

Despite these joint efforts, the recent series of business break-ins shows us that there is still work to be done. HPD has opened several burglary investigations, and we are actively pursuing leads at this time.

Maj. Sean Naito
HPD District 1 (Downtown-Chinatown)

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peanutgallerywrote:

Obama has been a complete failure. His dodging the Benghazi assault doesn't change the fact that he's either totally incompetent, or a liar. He has increased the ranks of people that get free stuff, and he has convinced them that the folks that pay for their free stuff should give them more free stuff, and the only reason they don't is because they either selfish or racists.. This guy has to go. Elect a competent President. Dump Obama.

on November 1,2012 | 03:23AM

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Mauiwrote:

peanutgallery. Romney won't release his tax returns. Liar? Have you really listened to all the things Romney has said? Incompetent? Romney compares cleaning up after Sandy to cleaning up a football stadium when he was in high school. Romney is a fraud and doesn't have a clue. Go listen to what he said about FEMA during the primaries. Open your eyes, ears and mind.

on November 1,2012 | 05:04AM

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kukunaokalawrote:

Maui,
What a joke, you have to be kidding, your response about Obama just shows why he will loose this election, there is no valid response to his failures, especially regarding 911/Benghazi. Romney may not be my first choice, but there is no way four more years of this nothing plan will work. And tax returns, how about college records? Who's been hiding?

on November 1,2012 | 05:25AM

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Mauiwrote:

kukunaokala. Romnney's been hiding.

on November 1,2012 | 08:08AM

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goinglobalwrote:

Really Obama could have given Trump his college records yesterday and gotten 5 Million Dollars for any charity.... Like maybe the red cross for the storm relief yet Obama chose not to do it.... Must be hiding something 5 million to show college records why wouldnt you do that??

on November 1,2012 | 12:05PM

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hawaiikonewrote:

5 million sure would helped a lot of families....

on November 1,2012 | 02:11PM

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atilterwrote:

trump is a NON-ENTITY only in love with himself...everything he does does is about him or what it can do for his image...

on November 1,2012 | 06:22PM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

When people ask are you doing better than 4 years ago, I say yes! I like when republican tourist ask that question. I just say you must be doing good because you vacationing in paradise. They just clam up and walk away.

on November 1,2012 | 08:56AM

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saveparadisewrote:

Kuliboss, I like the person Obama is but I see more and more Chinese visitors here and in Vegas. Our temporary successes are in fact due to our loans made in China. Obama has lost our economic edge to the new super power and has continued to allow the delicate trade balance to tip in their favor. No one can accurately predict the future but success does not lie in trillions of dollars in debt.

on November 1,2012 | 09:40AM

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sailfish1wrote:

I guess you also didn't like it when Japanese tourists were flooding the island. If not for tourists, Hawaii would be NOTHING! You would probably be working on the mainland. The Chinese economic success is because people like you buy their products - It is NOT because the U.S. is loaning money to them. China is actually loaning money to the U.S.

on November 1,2012 | 10:35AM

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saveparadisewrote:

I love tourists. It is our #1 industry so what are you talking about??? I buy local and USA made stuff except for my cars, what are you talking about??? Our debt is to primarily held by China is what I stated. What are you talking about???

on November 1,2012 | 10:59AM

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wilikiwrote:

It's the reason that we should in the long term be for free trade. There's more of them out there, than there is living in this country. Hopefully, with continued economic progress around the world, they will like Americans and want to buy "made in America" stuff.

on November 1,2012 | 11:11AM

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sailfish1wrote:

Hahaha! That is a good one!

on November 1,2012 | 10:36AM

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DPKwrote:

wiliki: the workers in the growing global market will all work for much less than our workers make so we will never be competitive. Manufacturing will never come back to the U.S. until we vastly increase robotics. Not too rosy a future for those less educated.

on November 1,2012 | 02:10PM

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hawaiikonewrote:

Observe what's happening right now in China. A middle class economic revolt is underway. As they develop a strong middle class whose wages provide them the quality of life we used to enjoy, the day may come when they're exporting work back to us. It's all about free enterprise.

on November 1,2012 | 02:18PM

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wilikiwrote:

With China's huge population it's enough that just their wealthy can spend their money in Hawaii.

on November 1,2012 | 09:52PM

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goinglobalwrote:

Ok then explain this for us... When Obama was sworn into office gas was 1.86.... The country had a AAA credit rating... How exactly are we doing better now that gas is 4.20 and the country credit rating is downgraded to AA. He did not even pass a budget one time, infact every budget he submitted got 0 votes in the Senate not even one approving vote from either side in the senate....

on November 1,2012 | 12:21PM

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Pacej001wrote:

Can't be explained, especially the failure to take care of spending and budgeting. He needs to leave office based on this alone.

on November 1,2012 | 02:21PM

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Mauiwrote:

goinglobal. The credit rating was downgraded because of the phoney debt ceiling crisis the Republicans cooked up. Go check it out.

on November 1,2012 | 05:26PM

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wondermn1wrote:

Just vote for Romney, I did as well as Ben Cayetano, Tom Berg, & Lingle. If enough people vote this way we can save Hawaii Billions and get America back its pride. The United States Of America is not supposed to be a socialistic country.

on November 1,2012 | 08:08PM

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peanutgallerywrote:

NB put a cork in that jug. You work for a government employee union. You have to because they're the only ones taking more kala. Hook-up with Maui, and find a meeting.

on November 1,2012 | 12:36PM

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Thinkaboutitwrote:

Loose the election? Whew, what a relief: I thought you said he would LOSE the election.

on November 1,2012 | 09:18AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

loose the bowels. Das how da locals speak, when they gotta go.

on November 1,2012 | 10:41AM

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peanutgallerywrote:

Now we know you work for the gov. 10:30 and you're still typing. Jeez.....

on November 1,2012 | 12:36PM

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burymeagainwrote:

Obama won't lose; we will lose if the Romulan gets in.

on November 1,2012 | 11:22AM

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tiki886wrote:

Maui: People died, so Obama LIED!

on November 1,2012 | 06:06AM

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Larry01wrote:

tiki, I don't think that logic works. Try again.

on November 1,2012 | 07:31AM

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Mauiwrote:

tiki886. Bush LIED, so THOUSANDS died.

on November 1,2012 | 08:04AM

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Pacej001wrote:

Bush running again? Thought he retired.

on November 1,2012 | 08:35AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Bush did retire but those pele are still dead. Their families still cry.

on November 1,2012 | 08:59AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Meant people instead of pele?

on November 1,2012 | 09:01AM

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goinglobalwrote:

What about the people in Libya?? What about the war powers act that Obama violated? Are they not dead?? and he did not even help them when they ask for help was too busy rushing off to vegas...

on November 1,2012 | 12:12PM

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lee1957wrote:

Hey hey ho ho, fill in the blank has got to go. Another intellectual arguement.

Aloha Maui. Is Obama for the 99% or the 1%? In 2008, Wall Street, sensing that McCain could not win, contributed much more $$ to Obama (Newsweek, April 22, 2012). Obama paid back big time: (1) hired tax cheat Tim Geithner from Wall Street as Sec of Treasury. (2) continued Bush's TARP, (3) bailed out big banks from Wall Street, instead of the unemployed, and (4) continued Bush's tax cut, instead of letting it expire in Dec 2010. He is now blaming the GOP for not wanting to raise tax for the rich. He should blame himself. All he had to do was to do nothing in December 2010. My prediction: after Obama retires, he will have a fat-paying job on WS doing nothing. (I contributed to Obama campaign in 2008)

Oh yeah. Why would anyone associated with business, Wall St. or otherwise, contribute to someone as hostile to capitalism as Obama? Hostile to business, hostile to success in general, determined to expand government control. No business man in his right mind would support this guy.

on November 1,2012 | 08:38AM

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Nevadanwrote:

Aloha Pace. In 2008, BO's goal was unknown. WS supported him, instead of the inevitable loser McCain. WS got paid back in the past 4 years. WS now is much richer, and the middle class much poorer. Agree with you: Business, small or big, would not support BO now. In addition, many who voted for him in 2008 would not vote for him this time, myself included.

on November 1,2012 | 09:40AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Let's have Rmoneys tax return so we know how this CEO got money for tracings with Wall Street.

on November 1,2012 | 10:44AM

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wilikiwrote:

What else is new? Wall Street is ungrateful for all the help it got from Obama. And it's wealthy businessmen still don't want to pay their fair share in taxes.

on November 1,2012 | 11:14AM

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Nevadanwrote:

Aloha Maui. No. WS was in big trouble 2008-09. Obama chose to bail out WS instead of the unemployed. This time WS is backing Romney, because Romney has an even chance.

on November 1,2012 | 09:30AM

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peanutgallerywrote:

You're naive beyond hope. Keep drinking. It will help you feel good about life.

on November 1,2012 | 12:39PM

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hilocalwrote:

Nevadan, you're generally right but not giving enough "credit" to Senate Republicans, who blocked Obama's watered-down initiatives to help the unemployed and underemployed. However, if you prefer Obama's Supreme Court nominees to Geo W. Bush's, you'll be forced to conclude that's where Barack is highly preferable to Romney. Romney will be forced by the Republican right wing to appoint right-wing ideologues.

on November 1,2012 | 08:19AM

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Pacej001wrote:

No he won't. Here's why. Romney will track to the center. That's what a rational, experienced person would do (what our inexperienced, rigid ideologue of a president couldn't do).

on November 1,2012 | 08:41AM

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glory_glory_man_utdwrote:

He will do that to get elected....but not after he is in office

on November 1,2012 | 09:49AM

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wilikiwrote:

Romney's already proved that he wont stand up to the Tea Party....

on November 1,2012 | 11:16AM

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Mauiwrote:

Pacej001. Haven't you noticed that Romney has no backbone? Look at all the different positions he has taken. Etch-a-Sketch man.

on November 1,2012 | 11:17AM

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Pacej001wrote:

Can't start and run a successful business without backbone/guts.

on November 1,2012 | 11:25AM

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goinglobalwrote:

How about the different positions Obama has taken?? Lets just start with Bengazi "I called it a terrorist attack the next day" Yet 5 days later his secratary to the UN and his Press Secratary still called it a random event from the video... Yet almost 2 weeks later on the view he still said it was about the video and would not call it a terrorist attack?? Why not.... Why not send in help?? When he called on the seals they killed obl for him when the seals called him for help he let them die.....

on November 1,2012 | 11:59AM

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DPKwrote:

Maui: hasn't Obama's position "evolved" on several issues?

on November 1,2012 | 02:14PM

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Nevadanwrote:

Aloha Maui. Different positions Romney took? Let's look at Obama:
(1) He wanted Bush's tax cuts for the rich to expire in Dec 2010.... before he was for it.
(2) He opposed raising the federal debt in 2006...before he is for it in 2011.
(3) He wanted U.S. test scores to go up.....before he proposes legalizing low-scoring illegal immigrants.
(4) He pledged in 2008 to shut down Gitmo.... before he kept it open in 2011.
(5) He was against individual mandate in 2008... before he was for Obamacare in 2010.
(6) He was pro-environment.....before he continued Bush's policy against the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and Durban.
(7) His priority was jobs for the middle class .. before he bailed out big banks

on November 1,2012 | 03:06PM

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Mauiwrote:

Pacej001. Romney has no backbone and no heart.

on November 1,2012 | 05:12PM

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tinapawrote:

Romney is a joke. He does not have core values and above all, he just simply does not have what it takes to be President. Why would anyone vote for someone like Romney who is clueless on every issue. He pretended to be knowledgeable about foreign affairs but during the debate, when Obama creamed him about the Libya incident, you could see Romney's face contorted and grimacing with the pain of embarrassment. Romney talks about leadership but he himself does not know the meaning of leadership. Obama possesses and has repeatedly demonstrated his unparalleled leadership skills, the latest of which is the deadly Sandy disaster. His tenacity and unmatched skills in handling this unfortunate event is something to be reckoned with. Again, Romney just simply does not have the necessary ingredients to make him a President. Unquestionably, the best candidate is already in the White House and he will stay there for four more years. So, my Republican friends, get used to it.

on November 1,2012 | 02:59PM

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Mauiwrote:

Pacej001. You really don't know. You only say you know.

on November 1,2012 | 05:22PM

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Nevadanwrote:

Aloha hilocal. What is this about Obama's initiatives to help the unemployed and underemployed? Let's examine: (1) When BO first took office, he had a choice of bailing out the unemployed, like Franklin D Roosevelt (FDR) did in the 1930's, or Wall Street. He took the latter, even though FDR approach was a historically proven entity. (2) How did BO help the underemployed today? In the past two years, he has been sending out federal employees to various cities to sign up people for food stamps. The result is that recipients increase ~50%, from 32 million to 47 million. The goal: these are potential voters committed to BO. Who are paying? You guess. The BO administration never denied it.

on November 1,2012 | 10:00AM

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seriouswrote:

Wrong, Obama's last year will be a tour of the world at taxpayer's expense, just the way Bill Clinton did to line up those $250,000 speaking engagements.

on November 1,2012 | 10:43AM

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goinglobalwrote:

Just remember that when Obama called on the Seals they killed Osama Bin Laden for him.... When the Seals called Obama for help they were denied..... Thats your commander in chief...... At a fundraiser in Vegas while the embassay was still burning..... Had real time drone information but they say did not have information to send in help what a load of BS...

on November 1,2012 | 07:30AM

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Pacej001wrote:

President Barack Obama's proposal for the upcoming budget sequester would cut nearly $900 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including disaster relief, food and shelter, and flood management at both the federal and state levels.
The cuts, detailed on pages 94 through 96 of the White House's sequestration proposal, released in mid-September, show how far the Obama administration has been willing to go in order to preserve the idea of tax hikes on "millionaires and billionaires" rather than reaching a comprehensive grand bargain on deficit reduction.

on November 1,2012 | 08:34AM

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Mauiwrote:

Pacej001. Obfuscation.

on November 1,2012 | 11:20AM

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Pacej001wrote:

Yeah, see what you mean. Facts can be confusing.

on November 1,2012 | 11:25AM

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Mauiwrote:

Pacej001. You wouldn't know a fact if you saw one.

on November 1,2012 | 05:20PM

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pcmanwrote:

Why should Romney release his tax returns. Obama won't release his college and law school applications and trsanscripts. Why? Could it be that Obama applied as a foreign student with an Indosnesian passport?

on November 1,2012 | 09:40AM

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sailfish1wrote:

If Obama did what you say, so what? He is a U.S. citizen and has a fine education (Harvard law).

on November 1,2012 | 10:39AM

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goinglobalwrote:

I say if he did the n he is a fraud.... and that is against the law....maybe he should pay back the money he was not charged to attend???

on November 1,2012 | 12:15PM

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cajaybirdwrote:

because that would be dishonest . I imagine there are laws against falsifying applications, if that was the case.

on November 1,2012 | 03:22PM

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quint34wrote:

Muslim foreign student . Not that there is any thing wrong with that. But be open.

on November 1,2012 | 10:54PM

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goinglobalwrote:

Obama is the fraud.... 5 million to release his college records and he did not do it..... Romney did release 2 years of tax returns... Why are you not calling on Harry Reid to release his tax returns??Obama want to appoint a secratary of business??? Romney already understands business..... Even Leno stated yesterday that storn Sandy already created more jobs than Obama... Obama also reinstated the Dont Ask Dont tell policy except this time its not about gays its about Bengazi...

on November 1,2012 | 12:09PM

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peanutgallerywrote:

Maui, you bumped your head after drinking way too much Kool-Aid. Find a 12-step. Leave the election to those who understand life. You don't.

on November 1,2012 | 12:34PM

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cajaybirdwrote:

peanutgallery: All I can say is that you're a patient man.

on November 1,2012 | 03:23PM

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cajaybirdwrote:

Wow Maui, pretty strong stuff. Romney is actually a very leberal candidate. He has a ton os successful business experience. He has a ton of bipartisan experience. He has released tax returns. So what? Do you think we might learn that he's been successful? That's the last thing we'd wanrt in a President, especially when the economy is in the tank. Romney is the farthest thing from a fraud, and probably one of the best candidates to serve the entire country that we've seen in ages. Socailism wirks as loon g as you have other peoples money to distribute. The Bneghazi situation is quickly coming to light. The Dems are trying to push it beyond the election. Our foreign policy has been absent. Peanut gallery should not be criticized for his comments.

on November 1,2012 | 03:09PM

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quint34wrote:

Yeah FEMA is great. Katrina?

on November 1,2012 | 10:33PM

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benderwrote:

Off top again aren't we?

on November 1,2012 | 06:03AM

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ukulelebluewrote:

The truth is that people only ride buses because they have to, not because they like riding the bus. People ride buses because they cannot drive or don’t have the nerves to drive in congested traffic. They ride buses because their financial situation says the bus is cheaper than the cost of driving and parking a car. Existing bus riders will welcome the rail because the portion of their trip that the rail covers will be much faster. When the high speed high volume rail is built, buses paralleling the same route can be eliminated and better more frequent bus service to rail stations can be provided to neighborhoods. Instead of cutbacks, more new bus routes can be started and fed to rail stations. We need the rail so that more people will leave their cars to ride public transportation and help relieve traffic congestion for people who absolutely need to drive. Rail has a much greater incentive to attract new riders than buses since it has its own right of way and does not get stuck in traffic. In fact, if we do not build rail, more bus riders will find that if they have to be in traffic, they might as well go back to the comfort and convenience of their own car and this will make traffic worse. All things considered, traffic will be much better with rail than without rail. Also, the people that absolutely need to use public transportation deserve a faster train ride than to have to continue the same captive frustration of riding just buses. Ask anyone in a major city and they will tell you that they would prefer rail over bus wherever possible. Rail has a much smoother ride than buses. We need to continue building rail for a better future for our children and grandchildren.

on November 1,2012 | 07:01AM

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typroctorwrote:

I disagree. I have a car, but I would rather relax on a bus than wait in a long line of traffiic.

on November 1,2012 | 07:09AM

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wilikiwrote:

It's your own choice. But in the future with population growth and no rail, buses will be more crowded and take longer to get to their destinations. Why stand up for over an hour when you can sit in comfort during that time waiting for traffic to inch its way to Honolulu.

on November 1,2012 | 11:21AM

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hilocalwrote:

ukuleleblue, elderly I know usually prefer the bus because there's the bus stop is closer, and getting on and off doesn't involve a lot of stairs or a long walk to the escalator or elevator. The women prefer the bus at night because they feel safer with a driver on it. I speak from experience; I used to commute by heavy rail in big cities which had the population to support heavy rail.

on November 1,2012 | 08:25AM

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OldDiverwrote:

hilocal, you are under the wrong impression this will change with rail. What seniors complain most about is the unpredictable schedule of buses and the unpredictable time they waste sitting on the bus. Ben's system will be no different. Yesterday's dump truck accident would have blocked any express bus lanes to and from the west side. Any major accident will cause the police to move traffic to the express bus lanes. Using existing freeways for buses is not the answer.

on November 1,2012 | 08:44AM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

ukuleleblue wrote: "All things considered, traffic will be much better with rail than without rail."

Rail is being used as an excused for unfettered development between Ewa Kapolei and town. You think it's a bad drive now? Just wait until Ho'opili and a bunch enormous height unrestricted "TOD" towers goes in. Then you'll know what traffic really is.

on November 1,2012 | 08:30AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

So true on the recent polls. Ben did not budge. Carlisle endorsement of Caldwell moved those votes to Caldwell. Don't blame PRP, cayetaNO has NO plan for Honolulu. The people have seen the FAST plan and dismiss it as bunk. That's why cayetano has actually lost points. This and the chance of our city being in court all day long if cayetano is elected, really turns off all voters.

on November 1,2012 | 09:06AM

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rsgeawrote:

And SPEAKING OF COURTS, breaking news.... the Court just ruled that the City did not follow the law in identifying cultural sites along the Rail route..... BOOM! another hit by one of those torpedoes that Mufi, Caldwell, and Carlisle chose to ignore.

Their "Full speed ahead and dam* ned the torpedoes!" bravado is beginning to come back to haunt them and all the pro-railers.

on November 1,2012 | 04:04PM

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DPKwrote:

Kalaheo: so true. Rampant development is what the proposed rail line is for. Why else would the construction unions and companies spend millions to promote it. Any other rail benefit is pure hocus pocus.

on November 1,2012 | 02:19PM

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sailfish1wrote:

I ride the express bus because it is convenient and fast (Mililani to downtown). I will NOT ride a bus to a rail station 7 miles away and then ride the rail to downtown. Most people in the Ewa Beach and Kapolei will also NOT ride a bus to a raiil station and take a train when they have express buses that go all the way. Expanding the express bus system can be done TODAY not 5 years from now and is more convenient, faster, and CHEAPER!

on November 1,2012 | 10:46AM

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wilikiwrote:

And other Mililani riders complain that they get caught in the Pearl City Merge just like all the drivers. It's not any faster than a car.

on November 1,2012 | 11:23AM

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controlwrote:

sorry, but I ride the bus because I choose not to own a car. Couldn't afford one for a very long time. Now, I'd rather spend the money I save on an annual vacation elsewhere. I also have lots of fellow bus riders who willingly leave their cars at home and catch a bus to work from the windward side. They dont have to hassle with traffic or pay for parking.

on November 1,2012 | 11:25AM

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peanutgallerywrote:

bla bla bla bla bla bla. Uku, you better get that last pay check. It's almost over. You and OD are going to have to find new clients.

on November 1,2012 | 12:40PM

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Larry01wrote:

As usual, bender.....

on November 1,2012 | 07:31AM

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glory_glory_man_utdwrote:

In the dictionary under "flip-flopper" there is a picture of Mitt Romney. He has demonstrated over and over that he will say and do anything, ANYTHING to get elected. He took a severely right-wing conservative stance in the primary to win the Republican nomination by catering his speeches and rhetoric to the Tea Party and now in the General has shifted almost entirely to the center as is evidenced by agreeing with almost everything that the President said in the last debate. Trying to placate a broad base by coming to the center is the way to win an election but does little to highlight the kind of person that will be in the White House if Romney is elected. What are his values if he will say and do anything to get elected, even compromise his own beliefs?
He's come so far to the center that he has even tried as much as possible to distance himself even from the far-right leaning views of his own VP running mate!
He is a hypocrite whose campaign hats are being produced IN CHINA for crying out loud but continues to tell everyone that he will stop American companies from exporting jobs to China but he can't even keep his OWN CAMPAIGN from doing it.

on November 1,2012 | 09:47AM

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Wahiawamaukawrote:

I will never vote for someone that believes that joseph smith spoke to god in the 1830's. Where has everyone's common sense gone?

on November 1,2012 | 10:02AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Move on pinaki, Obama wins Hawaii. If we didn't have the second amendment republican talking point, the Colorado massacre, 12 people ,would still be alive.

on November 1,2012 | 10:39AM

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Pacej001wrote:

From the Las Vegas Review Journal on Obama's Benghazi lies and disastrous suppression of US domestic energy production: "These behaviors go far beyond “spin.” They amount to a pack of lies. To return to office a narcissistic amateur who seeks to ride this nation’s economy and international esteem to oblivion, like Slim Pickens riding the nuclear bomb to its target at the end of the movie “Dr. Strangelove,” would be disastrous."

on November 1,2012 | 11:54AM

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Pacej001wrote:

Latest on Benghazi: CBS News has learned that during the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. Mission in Benghazi, the Obama Administration did not convene its top interagency counterterrorism resource: the Counterterrorism Security Group, (CSG):

on November 1,2012 | 02:35PM

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LittleEarl_01wrote:

IRT Jim King's ltr, "Tourists won't ride rail transit system." You're exactly right Jim. Since the original location of the rail station interferred with runway operations at Honolulu International Airport, the rail station was moved even further from the terminal, requiring either a shuttle bus service or a taxi ride to the station. If the State or City has to provide shuttle service from the terminal to the rail station, this will obviously be another expense to be borne by the taxpayer. In a previous article I believe it was also stated that bags and baggage would not be allowed on the train.

on November 1,2012 | 04:50AM

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Rapanui00wrote:

The poll numbers cited are truly flawed and a manipulation for the "machine". Civil beat polls show that Cayetano wins. Dont believe the biased media and vote for Ben!

on November 1,2012 | 05:00AM

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wondermn1wrote:

Go Ben Go, lets stop this RAIL now rather than waiting until more TAXPAYER money is wasted. I don't know who the polls are calling because everybody I talk to wants the RAIL stopped. We are not anti transportation solutions but the RAIL was A BAD DESIGN TO BEGIN WITH. The FAST program will help each and every section of this Island rather than 1 small portion . Go Ben Cayetano Go

on November 1,2012 | 05:28AM

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Keith_Rollmanwrote:

Maybe the only people available for you to talk with are also anti-railers. No one else can stand to be around you.

on November 1,2012 | 06:25AM

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OldDiverwrote:

He had a habit of calling all of his former friends old dribbler.

on November 1,2012 | 06:42AM

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OldDiverwrote:

The Civil Beat poll is actually bad news for Cayetano. It shows stagnant support for the single issue Cayetano.

on November 1,2012 | 06:51AM

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hilocalwrote:

OldDiver, Kirk is the stealth single-issue candidate. All the things he talks about won't be affordable with rail taking up too much of our revenues. Rail is like buying a house with a mortgage that takes up so much of your income you can't afford repairing your car or decent clothes for your children or the t-shirt and shoes your child needs to participate in after-school sports or music/dance lessons for your child.

on November 1,2012 | 08:36AM

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OldDiverwrote:

hilocal, you are repeating misinformation from the Cayetano campaign. Rail will be fully paid for by 2022. There will be no mortgage on rail. Ben's FAST system does not qualify for federal funding because it is not a true BRT system, therefore our property taxes will have to finance his project.

on November 1,2012 | 08:47AM

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wilikiwrote:

Caldwell has more experience in City govt than Ben. The Caldwell campaign is very broad. Rest assured that all City responsibilities will be more than me if Caldwell is mayor.

on November 1,2012 | 11:28AM

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tiki886wrote:

Then maybe we should remind the public what a duffus Caldwell really is?

Remember how Caldwell became Mufi's huckleberry?

Caldwell's campaign verbally informed the City Clerk's Office on July 22, 2008, (the deadline to declare candidacy for the City Councilman seat) of his intent to withdraw from the House race, De Costa said in her ruling. The Clerk's Office informed the state elections office of the withdrawal by phone and e-mail that day, and was told that the withdrawal was proper and Caldwell could file for the City Council seat.

Caldwell submitted his formal written withdrawal from his House race on July 23.

The next day, the Elections Office gave formal notice to the state Democratic Party that Caldwell had withdrawn on July 23.

Based on that declaration by the Elections Office, De Costa said her office "reluctantly" found that Caldwell technically had not resigned on Tuesday and was in two races at once.

That meant this genius, (I thought all lawyers were geniuses?) lost his job as the House majority leader by resigning and was disqualified to run for councilman for the C&C in one day.

Mufi felt sorry for the fool and what do we do with fools? We promote them! He became Mufi's right hand man, the City Manager.

on November 1,2012 | 01:45PM

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hilocalwrote:

OldDiver, please tell us where you hear/read these things. Somehow I seem to miss these things you claim.

on November 1,2012 | 08:29AM

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OldDiverwrote:

hilocal. as I mentioned yesterday please ask me a specific question. I don't know if you want my recipe for banana bread of tips on playing slot machines.

on November 1,2012 | 08:33AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Are you speaking from experience KR?

on November 1,2012 | 07:01AM

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DPKwrote:

KR: when you have nothing of value to say, you attack the person rather than discuss issues.

on November 1,2012 | 02:27PM

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OldDiverwrote:

Ben Cayetano is starting to sound like a child. It's always some else's fault. At least a child doesn't go around bringing lawsuits against her classmates.

on November 1,2012 | 06:26AM

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typroctorwrote:

Ben's the man, Obama's the child.

on November 1,2012 | 07:10AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

So typoctor, Ben's the Republican pick?

on November 1,2012 | 10:48AM

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hilocalwrote:

OldDiver, Ben is standing up to the big bully, PRP, by bringing the lawsuit. Even if he loses the suit, I'm glad he's done it so it sheds light on who are hiding behind PRP and discourages similar dishonest ads in future campaigns, campaigns where candidates will not have the resources or high enough profile to obtain pro bono help.

on November 1,2012 | 08:41AM

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OldDiverwrote:

hilocal, the big bully is Ben Cayetano. Bullies are cowards who hide in fear and bring lawsuits against their opponents.

on November 1,2012 | 08:48AM

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peanutgallerywrote:

Yup. Just like Obama.

on November 1,2012 | 12:43PM

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ukulelebluewrote:

Honolulu needs rail combined with buses. TheBus has been great in the past providing award winning service and speedy one-seat commutes. Unfortunately express buses or bus rapid transit (BRT) cannot continue to be the answer. Times have changed as a result of skyrocketing population growth, traffic congestion and fuel prices in the past ten years. Operating an all bus system was acceptable in the past when individual express buses from distant neighborhoods could be run all the way to downtown at a frequent basis. However, this becomes a very cost-inefficient system requiring more fuel and more drivers. The express buses then have to eventually end up in traffic congestion with other vehicles. That is why just adding more buses into clogged roads is not a solution. Now we need to revamp the bus system and incorporate a more efficient multi-modal transportation system that utilizes a fast high capacity rail system as in most major cities all over the world. More neighborhood buses can be added to circulate much more frequently and feed to the high speed high capacity rail trunk line on its own right of way which will require transfers but will result in an improved elapsed time origin to destination for any rider. Instead of cutbacks, smaller buses serving more lighter routes can be added and fed to the rail also. Fewer buses clogged in traffic paralleling the rail trunk line will free up more buses to serve more neighborhoods networked to the rail will provide better overall service. We need the planned Kapolei to Ala Moana rail line to be built now and will probably need extensions to Waikiki and UH-Manoa soon after. And the longer we delay, the more it will cost. Rail is the proven solution all over the world and it will work here. Don’t get fooled by the naysayers.

on November 1,2012 | 07:10AM

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Ronin006wrote:

Uke, you cut and pasted the wrong response. Jim King says tourist will not ride rail as claimed in a previous Letter from Art Ratcliffe, and Jim is correct. Your comment does not address this issue in any way.

on November 1,2012 | 08:35AM

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wilikiwrote:

Jim King also says that the tourist segment of ridership has not been reported on. So perhaps the broader question is more germane-- ie tourists will ride if the system is well used to study our local culture. The more ride, the more tourists will ride...

on November 1,2012 | 11:36AM

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Ronin006wrote:

Wiliki, it is quite a stretch to suggest tourists will ride the system to study our local culture. What could they possibly learn about local culture by riding rail?

on November 1,2012 | 02:44PM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

wiliki wrote: "tourists will ride if the system is well used to study our local culture. The more ride, the more tourists will ride..."

If tourists ride, it'll be for the same reason tourists go to Rapa Nui, to stand in awe of the enormous stone heads and wonder what they were for and marvel at how the islanders destroyed their resources to build them.

More to the point though, since the Oahu land owner will be subsidizing each train passenger to the tune of 50% or more, do you really want to pay higher property tax so visitors can get to the Arizona Memorial on a train?

on November 1,2012 | 04:04PM

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wilikiwrote:

No understanding of tourists? I visit each cities' china town in the mainland just to compare it to back home.... I don't stand in awe of Boston dim sum.

on November 1,2012 | 09:49PM

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Keith_Rollmanwrote:

The largest visitor attraction in Hawaii is the Arizona Memorial, why would't visitors take rali mass transit? Isn't that part of the motivation for Roberts Hawaii to fork over $100,000 for Ben's PAC? Also, the rail route moved slightly at the airport, but NOT the terminal location...more disinformation meant to mislead.

on November 1,2012 | 05:41AM

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benderwrote:

Because once they see the Arizona Memorial they will be off to other visitor attractions, and rail won't take them there unless they want to see old sugar cane fields. Roberts Hawaii might be supplanted by rail but there are far more people driving and riding the city bus to the memorial.

on November 1,2012 | 06:05AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

The Arizona/Pearl Harbor is an all day affair. The Rail approach will actually give a overhead view of Pearl Harbor and captivate the riders patriotism! Everyday as the hoards of commuters pass this hallowed grounds, we will view Pearl and say, this is a Great Country, America. America the country that creates and move their masses FOWARD!

on November 1,2012 | 10:53AM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

NanakuliBoss wrote: "The Rail approach will actually give a overhead view of Pearl Harbor and captivate the riders patriotism!"

You guys should go back to "we need to build it for the children" and "it will somehow keep rich scary foreigners away," That was slightly less insulting.

on November 1,2012 | 04:18PM

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tiki886wrote:

Wouldn't the rail take business away from Robert's Hawaii?

on November 1,2012 | 06:11AM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

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on November 1,2012 | 11:01AM

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Keith_Rollmanwrote:

Robert Iwamoto sure thought it would...that's why he gave Ben's PAC $100,000.

It might also be because he knows what it's going to do to his taxes, and it's not fill the potholes.

Besides, what do you have against local business? You seem perfectly okay with multinational corporations like Keiwit and Parsons Brinckeroff donating to Kirk Caldwell's campaign.

If you want to make tourist's trips to the Arizona cheaper, then you should withdraw a bunch of money and go down there everyday and give random tourists cash rebates. Just don't act hurt that the rest of us don't want to.

on November 1,2012 | 04:25PM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

Keith - would you please describe the route, steps involved, and cost for a family of four staying in Waikiki to take the train to visit the memorial at Pearl Harbor.

on November 1,2012 | 06:35AM

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ukulelebluewrote:

Take a bus to Ala Moana to transfer to rail. Rail goes directly to Arizona. Very fast and simple.

on November 1,2012 | 07:12AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

According to UK undocumented aliens from Arizona now have a direct pipeline to Hawaii. What's even worse is now that nutty sheriff arapaho can come visit us every day.

on November 1,2012 | 07:19AM

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Anonymouswrote:

What?

on November 1,2012 | 08:29AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

We all know what uke is saying.

on November 1,2012 | 09:16AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Even UK doesn't know what he's saying so how can everyone?

on November 1,2012 | 09:24AM

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Anonymouswrote:

ukuleleblue wrote: "Take a bus to Ala Moana to transfer to rail. Rail goes directly to Arizona. Very fast and simple."

If you guys are still trying to sell this mess as somehow being for weary west commuters, claiming it'll be packed with tourists wanting to get to the Arizona cheaply on a train heavily subsidized by Oahu property owners instead of putting money into our economy is not a good way to do it.

There you go again KR with the Roberts fantasy. Tens of thousands of tourists make daily visits via theBus to visit the Arizona Memorial. In fact, there is a loop that passes the entrance of the Memorial for the buses to go into Pearl Harbor made exclusively for the tourists. Why would the tourists pay a couple of hundred bucks for private bus service when it only costs them $5 for the round trip via the ONCE FAMOUS BEST IN THE WORLD BUS SERVICE.

on November 1,2012 | 06:55AM

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Keith_Rollmanwrote:

$100,000 is not a fantasy, it's in the current campaign spending report. Clearly, this is a special interest by a company that see's public transportation as bad for business and wants Ben to kill it for them...how is that any different than PRP or any other player? Answer: rail will benefit the public, Iwamoto's buses are for fleecing tourists.

on November 1,2012 | 01:32PM

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loquaciousonewrote:

The fantasy is the reason for the $100K. Majority of people in Hawaii, including those that are for rail, don't like John White and PRP's tactics. Iwamoto would benefit from the rail because the rail has already affected theBus service and tens of thousands of tourist regularly use the bus to tour the islands. They won't use the rail because the rail doesn't cover the area they visit. Just yesterday, I say at least fifty tourists huddled at the Wahiawa Transit Center waiting their transfer from the 55 bus. Many were dressed in beach wear and were huddled together against the chilly Wahiawa air. The bus cuts make it harder for tourists to circle the islands these days. Hours are wasted waiting for transfers. Iwamoto would love to see more bus cuts so that tourists will be discouraged from using theBus.

on November 1,2012 | 02:14PM

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DPKwrote:

KR: the only people that will really benefit from rail are the construction companies and unions. All other arguments are minor.

on November 1,2012 | 02:38PM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on November 1,2012 | 10:59AM

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Keith_Rollmanwrote:

I believe Ben is also hypocritically ripping them too.

on November 1,2012 | 01:26PM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

Keith_Rollman wrote: "The largest visitor attraction in Hawaii is the Arizona Memorial, why would't visitors take rali mass transit?"

Of all the silly reasons you guys have come up with to build this train, "so tourists can get their trip to the Arizona Memorial subsidized 50%-75% by Oahu property owners" is among the most silly.

By all means, lets not only keep that money out of the hands of local business owners and their employees, and instead, we can all work a little harder and pay more tax so visitors won't hire a tour company or taxicab to take them where they need to go.

I wish you guys cared as much for the rest of the people here as you do the guys that pour the concrete.

on November 1,2012 | 04:14PM

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ukulelebluewrote:

Tourists ride rail trasit systems all over the world and will ride rail here for the same reasons.

on November 1,2012 | 07:03AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Of course they will UK. Where else would they be able to visit history in the making when they visit Hawaii's soon to be famous STONEHENGE! Visions of vast fields of weeds will fill their SD cards in their digital cameras to share with family and friends back home. To top that, a visit to a Walmart in Hawaii so different from the Walmart back home because they sell the island delicacy -- spam musubi.

on November 1,2012 | 07:11AM

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Ronin006wrote:

Yes, Uke, people ride rail all over the world where it takes them to tourist destinations. To what tourist destinations will Honolulu’s rail take tourists? There are none.

on November 1,2012 | 08:38AM

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hilocalwrote:

ukuleleblue, tourists ride heavy rail transit all over the world because those systems have hundreds of miles of track serving millions (not 1 million as on O'ahu) of residents as well as tourists.

on November 1,2012 | 08:46AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

The Waipahu Chamber of Commerce anticipates that as many as twelve to fourteen tourists will visit Waipahu by rail in 2017. Check it out...it is in the report.

on November 1,2012 | 09:00AM

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tiki886wrote:

Beautiful downtown Why-pa-WHOO!

on November 1,2012 | 01:34PM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Yes,all over Europe. Take Callans toursbytrain.

on November 1,2012 | 09:17AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Rome, Paris, Vienna, Waipahu......you sound like a funny bumper sticker. Maybe they'll rename it Waikele Del Sud and that will attract the visitors.

NanakuliBoss, do you really believe tourists will take a bus from their hotels in Waikiki and change there to take rail to Iolani Palace and China Town? They could get there much quicker and will less hassle by staying on the bus to those destinations. Pearl Harbor historic site? No way. The nearest rail station will be near the intersection of Kam Highway and Radford Drive, which is a very long walk to the AZ Memorial. Aloha Stadium for swap meets and events? Some, perhaps. Honolulu International Airport? Some, perhaps, but I do not believe many tourists will want to take a taxi to Ala Moana Center with their luggage in tow, change there to ride the rail to the station NEAR the airport, and then lug their luggage several hundred yards to their airline check in counter. The station will not be at the airport. It will be located on Aolele Street near the lei stands. That is about 130 years to the main terminal’s closest point and then another 350 yards to the furthermost departure area. NanakuliBoss, would you do that? I do not think so, so why would tourists do it?

on November 1,2012 | 03:15PM

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stefwrote:

IRT letters discussing the merits or demerits of rail - the discussion is irrelevant. The only relevant factor is that RAIL IS NOT AFFORDABLE. Doesn't matter if it clears up traffic or if we're getting $1.5B starter money, we can't afford it. It's like if they had a plan to provide limo service to everyone whenever we want to go somewhere. Nice, but no can afford. Caldwell is probably better than Cayetano on most issues, but this one issue will broke da bank. And the cost of rail dwarfs all the other issues. Sorry Kirk, gotta go with Ben.

I don't hear Ben disavowing any of the crap being churned out by Defend Ben.

on November 1,2012 | 06:08AM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

Keith_Rollman wrote: "I don't hear Ben disavowing any of the crap being churned out by Defend Ben."

Could you be more specific? All I've seen from Defend Ben are ads highlighting Kirk Caldwell's role in this rail fiasco. I don't think either side is disputing his involvement and the role he's played in this mess.

on November 1,2012 | 03:55PM

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rsgeawrote:

The difference, Mr. (T)rollman, is that what Defend Ben is putting out is not false and deceptive like what PRP is putting out. Even Joe Moore and other highly-regarded, upstanding Honolulu citizens are expressing disgust with the lies and twisted truths that PRP continues to put out despite being debunked by objective, highly-reliable sources.

on November 1,2012 | 06:44PM

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benderwrote:

The silence from the StarAdvertiser is just as deafening as Caldwell's. The SA has repeatedly claimed to be looking out for the public's interest when filing lawsuits to obtain information. But when it comes to PRP and Caldwell's seemingly approval of PRP, the SA is noticeably silent. One can only assume that they too approve of the PRP message, and Caldwell's silence.

on November 1,2012 | 06:51AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Don't forget Inouye's deafening silence too. In fact he and Kirk both participated in one of PRP's slime ads.

on November 1,2012 | 06:58AM

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hilocalwrote:

loquaciousone, I don't place Inouye's silence in the same level as the SA's. He's a politician; the SA is supposed to be an unbiased newspaper that informs the public and should be critical of PRP's lies and distortions.

on November 1,2012 | 08:51AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

I don't know where you get the idea that news medias are supposed to be unbiased but aren't you being a little naive? Every party has it's own attack dog to channel their message through. Democrats have MSNBC and Republicans have Fox News. Have you every seen Rachel Meadows on Fox or Ann Coulter on MSNBC?

on November 1,2012 | 09:22AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Maybe Dan's hearing aid went on the fritz and hat is why he is silent.

on November 1,2012 | 10:23AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

AARP can find you a provider pronto as long as you keep up your membership. Of course by now he might have an honorary membership for octonagerians.

on November 1,2012 | 10:36AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Yes anti's please bash Dan too. That will drop some points for Ben.

on November 1,2012 | 02:52PM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

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on November 1,2012 | 11:04AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

I don't believe in myths myself.

on November 1,2012 | 11:35AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Like AARP, they endorse a candidate that would do good for senior citizens. Simple. PRP is the same, they would target an anti Rail candidate, because the promote growth, Rail.

on November 1,2012 | 09:22AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Dan Inouye and George Ariyoshi certainly fit AARP's main criteria. In fact they can double down on the minimum age restriction.

on November 1,2012 | 09:28AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

They are so old when they were in school History class had not been invented.

They so old they owe Julius Caesar $10 for lunch.

They so old they knew Mr. Clean when he had an Afro.

They so old they knew Aerosmith when they were New Kids on the Block.

OK, I'll stop now. But, really, these dried up old rich guys don't do justice to the needs of Honolulu's majority.

on November 1,2012 | 10:26AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Your describing ur candidate,manic ky?

on November 1,2012 | 10:57AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

I luv it when you try so hard to be smart. If you were hooked up to a circuit breaker the breaker would be tripping like mad.

on November 1,2012 | 11:37AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Careful there, Nanakuli Boss, I can start with "You so dumb jokes...."

on November 1,2012 | 04:59PM

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goinglobalwrote:

Read Bens lawsuit as a very desperate man who can not run on his record..... Fact... Ben did take the illegal campaign contributions.... He did not pay the $500K back he used escheat which meant that if he closed his election account and retired he did not have to pay back the money..... Only now here he is again saying I should be the Mayor so please give me some more money..... Wait lets not forget that Ben also did give no bid contracts while governor..... Some of those no bid contracts were to the very same people that gave the illegal campaing donations....... The only thing Ben can do if he gets his day in court is plead the 5th.....

on November 1,2012 | 07:42AM

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OldDiverwrote:

And some of those fined in the pay to play scandal have contributed to his mayoral campaign.

on November 1,2012 | 08:35AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Very ironic that these same people would be on Ben's mayoral committee.

on November 1,2012 | 09:24AM

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hilocalwrote:

goinglobal, how could Ben give it back when by the time he learned it was illegal his campaign was over? He did give back what was left.

on November 1,2012 | 08:54AM

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pcmanwrote:

The law did not prevent anyone from taking donations from people they do not know. Those who gave illegal donations went to jail. People who say Cayetano did anything illegal are either stupid or lying.

on November 1,2012 | 10:09AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

PRP does not advertise for a Mayor, it purpose is Rail. That's fine. If Caldwell was against Rail, he would be a target. If Ben was for Rail, PRP would back down. Simple.

on November 1,2012 | 09:20AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Charlie Manson just called and asked if you'd like to defend a person with some class instead of PRP.

on November 1,2012 | 10:28AM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

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on November 1,2012 | 11:15AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

If it's costing money for advertisement then, SaveourHonolulu and DefendBen are both paying. So you make no sense myth.

on November 1,2012 | 02:55PM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

No, you don't make sense. You state above that the purpose of prp is rail. They are not looking for the best mayor. They are looking for the mayor that will award them contracts. If you can't see this is pay for play, there is no use responding to you.

on November 1,2012 | 03:08PM

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pcmanwrote:

Briscoe: Blame the Stonehenge" on Caldwell. He built it.

on November 1,2012 | 09:23AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Pcman. The pillars went up while Caldwell was in private practice. Let's blame Ben, since he's retired and had nothing to do.

on November 1,2012 | 02:56PM

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Bdpapawrote:

One thing about HPD, their PR is always there. Good to here they are stepping up in Chinatown but it's time to do some solid work.

on November 1,2012 | 06:01AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Yea stop picking on the tutu rushing to catch their bus on Hotel Street and get some real criminals -- like those crooks in the HART and PRP offices on Alakea Street.

on November 1,2012 | 07:42AM

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Bdpapawrote:

They could start there but probably lunch in the employee dining room first!

on November 1,2012 | 11:25AM

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benderwrote:

David Briscoe, Check out where the students are really heading. It's Manoa, and there are no transit alternatives headed in that direction and never will. We all know how traffic moves when UH is not in session. Does that give you a clue about where we should be focusing our efforts?

on November 1,2012 | 06:03AM

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ukulelebluewrote:

A UH rail extension should definitely be built. We have to start somewhere.

on November 1,2012 | 07:06AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Here's the plan. We'll start the rail in Kapolei because Paulette doesn't have any ancestors there and we don't have to get any property easements from the rats and mongooses. On top of that we won't bother any of our neighbors with construction dusts and noise and traffic jams. By the time we get to Waipahu where we might have to displace some people from their homes it'll be too late too stop. Even World War III couldn't stop the rail by then.

on November 1,2012 | 07:46AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

There is a pretty good chance, but no guarantees, that by the time rail gets to Manoa the Regents will have found out who is responsible for the Wonder Blunder.

on November 1,2012 | 09:02AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Loq, you and manic ky, have it good. No job? Oh, retired with the good life! Wow, never have to worry.

on November 1,2012 | 11:06AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

HART offered both us gigs as PR people but we had too much self-respect. PRP called and offered us big money but we had to work for some guy calls himself Bob Weisel and that was an insult. So we freelance.

on November 1,2012 | 05:01PM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Bender ur silly, uh manoa will soon be for out of state students. Why? Because that's were the money is. Courses at UH West will mirror Manoa in the future. The land out there, "in an empty field", is destined for educational growth. A Japanese University has bought land for a new university. The Catholic church did the same for that purpose. A planned city with Rail will be a productive city. Get with the growth.

on November 1,2012 | 11:04AM

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Keith_Rollmanwrote:

PRP hasn't changed Cayetano's numbers? I hope PRP's efforts continue to keep Ben's numbers from changing, and he gets 44% in the general...that's fine with me. By the way in his lawsuit he specifically identifies PRP's effectiveness.

on November 1,2012 | 06:07AM

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OldDiverwrote:

The only thing that could change Cayetano's numbers is if he started acting and talking like a Mayor. Don't hold your breath.

on November 1,2012 | 06:29AM

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benderwrote:

And I suppose you are the one who can teach Cayetano how to act and talk like a Mayor. What would be your credentials? But I think you might have held your breath a little too long and a little too often.

on November 1,2012 | 06:43AM

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OldDiverwrote:

A well rounded approach to issues would help, and not threatening to file a lawsuit against your playmate who returns the favor of throwing sand back at you in the sandbox.

on November 1,2012 | 06:55AM

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hilocalwrote:

OldDiver, what PRP is doing is not like throwing sand in the sandbox; it's more like throwing a big rock at your face, causing serious enough injury to send you to the doctor or hospital.

on November 1,2012 | 08:57AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Your expertise is invaluable in this forum OD. Did you get your PHD in political science and pyscology at Kmart's buy one get one free blue light special?

on November 1,2012 | 07:04AM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

OldDiver wrote: "The only thing that could change Cayetano's numbers is if he started acting and talking like a Mayor."

Which Mayor would you like him to act like? Mayor Hanneman or Mayor Carlisle. I don't think Ben would like to spend that much time off island.

on November 1,2012 | 08:33AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

How about Mayor Harris who spent about $15,000 on a book on his accomplishments as Mayor but now the books are used by city workers to put on their chairs to get their much deserved raises.

on November 1,2012 | 08:45AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Funny, yeah....Kirk has Peter Carlisle giving an endorsement. Let's see...we didn't like Petey as a Mayor and we don't trust him for another term but we are supposed to listen to him on political recommendations? The irony burns.

on November 1,2012 | 09:07AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Funny manic ky, those who voted for Carlisle will vote for Caldwell. After all you anti's called their man a liar. They don't forget. Anti's also called Carlisle supporters "uneducated" check SA 7-23-2012..lol.

on November 1,2012 | 11:10AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Recent polls ,cayetano 42%' Caldwell 54%,,,,,,,,,it looks like ALL of Carlisles voter went to Caldwell in fact cayetano lost 2% since the primaries! How unreal.

on November 1,2012 | 11:14AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

The journal, Science Meets Fiction's Honolulu Mayoral poll taken during yesterday's afternoon rush hour shows Cayetano edging into a slight 48 to 41 percent lead with 11 percent undecided. The undecided mainly consisted of Kalihi's filipino population. There were undecided on whether to vote for adobo or pancit while wearing Cayetano for Mayor t shirts.

on November 1,2012 | 11:43AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

I happen to agree that the PRP's $4 million has hurt Ben's chances. But what a terrible indictment of our system that a small group of special interests - union contractors about 6,500 people in total - can spend millions on such disgustingly malicious and deceptive ads. The PRP has taken Hawaii politics to a new low and I guess for the weasels and slugs that think winning is the only thing of value, PRP can count some success. But the race is not over and I happen to think that Ben still has an excellent opportunity of winning.

Bottom line - anybody who praises the PRP and its techniques should be scraped off the bottom of your zori and placed in the Mahalo cans.

on November 1,2012 | 09:06AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

" we are using the latest crime technology to help process evidence and identify suspects.">> Andy by that, they mean sketch artists.

The use of bait cars is a fallacy. In reality, it only lures someone to commit a crime, when they may not have been inclined to do so. The truth is that most of these thefts are committed by repeat offenders who are arrested over and over, and only come back to steal again. Bait cars have been used from time to time in the past and have not proven to deter any crime.

The ads are character assassination. They (PRP Ads) are a lie, a lie repeated to a million people perhaps a hundred times a day. What man of honor would not immediately repudiate them? What man of honor would let them continue, day in and day out, destroying, destroying, destroying his opponent with falsehoods?

Where are the men of honor....Senator?....Kirk?.....where are you when character matters?

on November 1,2012 | 09:11AM

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saveparadisewrote:

All the letters to the Editor have merit today. My work and recreation entails me to have conversation with many people of different ethnicities, social background, and employment. My personal observation is that almost everyone feels that the money we intend to purchase the rail with can be put to better use and most will vote for Ben. Those that will vote for Caldwell always belong to a Union and are voting due to a dislike of Ben rather than voting on the issues or the rail.

on November 1,2012 | 09:28AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Don't forget the Geezers & Codgers vote. This demographic is soundly anti-rail and we are the guys and gals that actually walk on down and cast ballots.

on November 1,2012 | 10:29AM

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Thinkaboutitwrote:

Ms. Henderson,
Tsunami warnings are safety advisories, not doomsday scenarios, so don't be so overly dramatic. It's not as if we got hit by a hurricane…

on November 1,2012 | 09:29AM

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AirRescueFFwrote:

@David Briscoe

"Polls indicate voters now are realizing we need leaders who will build for growth rather than pretend it isn't already happening."

In the comments section below that article, you were exposed as a hypocrite by John Kawamoto after your little "growth/no growth" rants. Love how you totally ignored his relatively short rebuttal that blew your weak stance out of the water.

"The anti-rail movement represents a form of mass stupidity." - David Briscoe

How ironic...

Poor showing from someone who is a retired AP journalist.

on November 1,2012 | 09:55AM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Funny how the anti letters are from Kaimuki and Hawaii Kai. Like Ariyoshi said, where's the Aloha Spirit. Let's move the landfill out East. The relief from no more thousands of monster trucks and flying debris on the H1/H2 would actually help with the traffic. Couple in the biggest industrial waste landfill in Nanakuli and the states largest diesel burning power plant at Kahe point, and you can see how " fairness" is distributed. This Land of Aloha.

on November 1,2012 | 10:31AM

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Kalaheo1wrote:

Nice try. Do you know why there are no letters from people who live out west who think this rail plan will help their commute? BEACAUSE NO ONE WROTE ANY!!!

on November 1,2012 | 01:36PM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

Because they don't have the time,they are stuck in traffic.

on November 1,2012 | 03:02PM

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wilikiwrote:

Jim King has it wrong.... tourists in Waikiki will use rail. Hotels will offer free shuttles to Ala Moana. Japanese tourists already have purchased the trolleys for commuting arround Waikiki for example. Don't expect that taxis will be used except for older tourists that cannot walk too far.

on November 1,2012 | 11:05AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

I know an 86 year old from Japan that can wipe your arse in a marathon. Wanna try?

on November 1,2012 | 12:27PM

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jekat2003wrote:

Ah Holly Henderson...the poster child for lack of common sense. Obviously if the ground was safe to land (ie runway not underwater) it would be safe to continue ordinary procedures with caution when necessary. If you looked around at your surroundings and still needed a suggestion as to whether you could proceed to ground level you need far more help than Hawaiian Airlines or airport security can offer. I guess this what happens when you live in a nanny state and expect the government to make every decision for you.

on November 1,2012 | 11:14AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL and PRP and John White do love money.

on November 1,2012 | 12:24PM

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loquaciousonewrote:

For those who never use the public bus systems, opinions from you regarding the bus is like Buster Posey getting hitting lessons from the three stooges. The majority of tourist use theBus to visit the North Shore and other tourist oriented area -- places that the rail will never reach. Calling Kapolei a tourist destination is like calling the Pacific Ocean a tide pool. I live on the North Shore and I catch the bus so I don't have to speculate on what's going on or what's going to happen. I know. Since the bus cuts, I now see hordes of tourist crowding the Wahiawa Transit Center waiting for their transfers. Mr. Iwamoto of Roberts Hawaii would love to see more bus cuts that would drive more tourists to his tour company. The reason for his backing Ben may only be known only to him but hating the rail is not one of them since the rail is the reason for the bus service cuts.

on November 1,2012 | 02:31PM

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Kuniarrwrote:

All taking the H1 has been made to suffer sitting for hours in traffic on the H1 because of a bottleneck on the H1 during heavy traffic in rush hour or whenever an accident occurs on the H1.

Not anymore under F.A.S.T. IRT David Briscoe, the fact of the matter about Rail is that It was conceived because of Traffic Congestion.

Now, for the first in a long long time, F.A.S.T. is offering to bring into Honolulu what the Department of Transportation of several states of the US such as Georgia, Florida, Oregon, Seattle among many a Traffic Management System that relieves Traffic Congestion.

That means No More Sitting For Hours In Traffic on H1 (1)during rush hour in the morning or afternoon (2) whenever an accident occurs on the H1.
Because under the Traffic Management System of F.A.S.T. about 200 closed circuit TVs will monitor the H1 24/7, operators will see and record any accident occurring on the H1. And trigger an immediate emergency response to the accident. The operators can also identify vehicles speeding or running recklessly on the H1 and citations given to the owner of those vehicles.

The Variable Message Signs notify drivers of an accident happening miles ahead. Also, when an accident occurs or a lane on the H1 is closed to traffic, the Traffic Management Center would turn on the Variable Speed Limit signs to gradually slow down vehicles heading towards the site of an accident for the purpose of preventing over-crowding at the site and cause traffic to move a near to normal speed.

on November 1,2012 | 02:35PM

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NanakuliBosswrote:

How would FAST get around a 40 ton truck, hung up on a medial that just plowed thru two walls, Einstein.

Why the heck are you still not aware that today, in this the 21st Century, Kuli traffic congestion resulting from the closing of one or two lanes are easily prevented from happening 'State or Inter-State Highways by several State DOTs such as on H-26, I-4, I-5, I-285, I-405, etc.

Here, Kuli, read what the Oregon DOT says about how it relieved traffic congestion on H-26.
http://www.katu.com/news/Variable-speed-limit-signs-are-coming-to-Portland-136326623.html.

And if you want more there are the following links:
* http://www.docstoc.com/docs/53240095/Variable-Speed-Limits-Aim-to-Relieve-I-4-Congestion
* http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/24/atlanta-turns-to-variable-speed-limit-system-to-relieve-highway-congestion/
* http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/11septoct/03.cfm

on November 1,2012 | 09:33PM

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thoswrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on November 1,2012 | 03:44PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

You need to add "Burma Shave" at the end. Otherwise, rogerdat.

on November 1,2012 | 06:06PM

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loquaciousonewrote:

ANOTHER STAKE IN THE HART OF PRP AND HART!. THE RAIL NOW HAS BOTH FEET FIRMLY PLANTED IN THE GRAVE.

on November 1,2012 | 03:54PM

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rsgeawrote:

Federal Judge just drove a wooden TELEPHONE POLE into the HART of Rail. Breaking news report by Kevin Dayton about 1/2-hour ago:

"A federal judge has dealt a second major legal setback to the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project.

Federal Judge A. Wallace Tashima ruled today the city failed to properly identify traditional cultural properties along the 20-mile proposed rail line, and ordered the city to identify those properties before work on the rail project continues.

Tashima also ruled the Federal Transit Administration must supplement the record of decision for the rail line before work can resume.

He scheduled a Dec. 12 hearing to hear arguments on issuing a permanent injunction in the project."

on November 1,2012 | 04:25PM

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rsgeawrote:

Wow! Just watched the 6:00 news on TV and the whole tag-team (i.e. everybody but Dan Inouye..... Dan Grabauskas, Peter Carlisle, and Kirk Caldwell,) was out in force trying to convince the public that Rail is still moving forward! You should see the worried look in their eyes as their lips kept the spin going. They're even calling the ruling "A Victory!". Who do they think they're fooling???

RAIL IS ON IT'S WAY DOWN.

It'll be down for the count by December 12th, and even the FTA will save face and say, "It's evident that the people of Honolulu don't want Rail. WE'RE OUT!!"

on November 1,2012 | 06:33PM

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rsgeawrote:

BTW, I noticed Peter Carlisle nervously glancing up at the moon. I think he's getting worried about it "falling down into the ocean".

on November 1,2012 | 06:49PM

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cajaybirdwrote:

No mention of Banghazi?? Seems like there's a story that needs answers.

on November 1,2012 | 05:31PM

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tiki886wrote:

Rail: It will cost $5 BILLION DOLLARS and cost $300 MILLION DOLLARS per year (almost 1/3 of a BILLION DOLLARS for those who can't count) or more to operate and maintain. And the benefits? It takes only 2% of the cars off the road?

Don't talk to us about the side benefits such as jobs. We can always confiscate money from the private sector to make people dig ditches and fill them in or increase the welfare rolls and food stamp program.

Government is never the solution. It is always the source of ALL our problems!!!!

on November 1,2012 | 06:37PM

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cajaybirdwrote:

tiki, Apparently the lure of federal dollars is just too great. I can't believe it's still being debated. The CA rail project is just as bad, but they have a much greater population to spread the cost over. If Hawaiians want the rail, then they'll get what they deserve.

on November 1,2012 | 07:42PM

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Kuniarrwrote:

We endured long hours of traffic congestion because of a truck accident on the H1. We have long endured traffic backing up during morning and afternoon rush hour.
But not anymore under F.A.S.T.. For in addition to BRT, F.A.S.T. is introducing to Honolulu what every one has long wanted to happen - TRAFFIC RELIEF